A well-done landscaping project can improve the look of your home, whether you intend to sell or just enjoy it yourself. You may want to use a professional landscaper or get the job done yourself; in either case, these tips are a great way to get started.
Hire a Professional Designer
Do not settle for a cheap design such as a patio or a deck if you are not going to use it. It might be worth it to pay a professional designer to help you create the kind of space and design you will use and enjoy throughout different seasons.
Choose the Right Plants and Trees
When selecting plants for your landscaping project, consider their growth rate. Plant trees and shrubs that will not outgrow their space too quickly or require excessive maintenance. For an interesting look, choose a variety of plants with different textures and colors to create depth in your landscape.
Incorporate Lighting
Landscaping lights can add a magical feeling to any outdoor space. Up-lighting highlights trees and plants, while down-lighting provides accent lighting for pathways and walkways. String lights can be used in the garden for mood lighting or even as task lighting around the patio or deck area.
Include Seating Areas
Incorporating comfortable seating areas into your landscaping project is essential. Use benches, chairs, and even sofas to create inviting outdoor spaces that you can enjoy throughout the day. Consider adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for those chilly evenings.
Install Irrigation Systems
Installing an irrigation system will help keep your plants and trees healthy. You can choose from a wide range of irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or sprinklers, depending on your needs and budget. Make sure to install the system correctly following manufacturer instructions to ensure efficient water use.
Secure Your Landscape
To protect your landscape investment, make sure it is properly secured with fencing or walls. You can choose from a range of materials and styles, from low-maintenance vinyl to more decorative wooden or wrought iron options. This will also help keep animals out of your garden and protect it from potential damage.
Make Sure Your Project is Safe
If you fear damaging power lines or other infrastructure the next time you need to dig for your landscaping project, contact a ‘dig safe’ helpline first. The service, popularized in the northeastern United States, allows you to double-check before digging to ensure that you don’t damage anything while performing your landscaping work.
Have a Plan
Prior to going out and purchasing what you need to do your landscaping, make a plan. By having an idea of what you should buy, and where it is going to go in your yard, you will avoid over-purchasing supplies. In the long run, this will save you money, time, and frustration.
Shop Online for Landscaping Pieces
Online shopping is often overlooked as a landscaping resource. You not only will find online shopping more convenient but will discover more choices if you look online. You may be able to buy rarer plants that are not native to your area at online stores.
Use balance, not symmetry. A balanced distribution of plants creates a focal point, but the garden should never be symmetrical. For example, a large tree to the left of the garden can be balanced by two smaller trees to the right. This creates a much more desirable effect in the garden, whereas a symmetrical look appears completely unnatural.